Everyone, including undocumented immigrants, living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the Constitution. If you find you have to deal with Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or anywhere else, it is important that we all know and practice our basic rights.

In late January 2017, NAKASEC & Affiliates launched an Immigration Rapid Response Plan to address the needs, concerns and emergencies of immigrant community members and their families. The Immigration Rapid Response Plan includes:

This is the first ever popular education app for U.S. immigrants in crisis situations that provides practical tips when being detained or subject to raids or home searches. Search “Know Your Rights KRC” in the Play Store.

Memorize the phone number of a friend, family member, or attorney that you can call if you are arrested.

Give NAKASEC’s hotline number to a family member, friend or attorney so we can support you if you are detained: 1-844-500-3222.

If you take care of children or other people, make a plan to have them taken care of if you are detained.

Keep important documents such as birth certificates and immigration documents in a safe place where a friend or family member can access them if necessary.

Make sure your loved ones know how to find you if you are detained by ICE. They can use ICE’s online detainee locator to find an adult in immigration custody. Or they can call the local ICE office. Make sure they have your alien registration number written down, if you have one. If your family member calls the NAKASEC hotline, we also can assist with locating your family member.

You can call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline at 240-314-1500 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information on your case’s status.

If it is possible and safe for you to do so, take photos and videos of the raid or arrest, unless you are on federal government property. Take notes of badge numbers, number of agents, time, type of car, and exactly what happened.

Print a Know Your Rights Card and carry it with you to show it if an immigration officer stops you. The card explains that you will remain silent and that you wish to speak with an attorney.

Print a brochure detailing your rights and how to exercise them when facing an emergency situation. Everyone, including undocumented immigrants, living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the Constitution.